BUSINESS MENTORSHIP RECEIVES SUPPORT

Saskatchewan entrepreneurs have a new tool for success with the creation of an organization that supports business mentorship in the province.

The Business Mentorship Institute of Saskatchewan Inc. will provide information resources, training, access to a database of mentors and protégés, and marketing and promotion services to organizations which currently operate, or have an interest in implementing, a business mentorship program.

The mentorship initiative is consistent with the direction set for the Youth Opportunities Unleashed (YOU) program, which helps young adults start businesses in their community, and the Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE) recommendation to assess and build entrepreneurial, leadership, and management skills through training and mentorship programs.

"Our vision is to invest in our greatest asset – our people – to equip them for and engage them in a rapidly changing and expanding economy," Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said. "We will keep working with our partners to provide mentoring programs that help people develop entrepreneurial skills they need to start or expand a business."

The Western Economic Partnership Agreement, a joint federal-provincial initiative aimed at fostering economic activity and improving the quality of life in communities across Western Canada, will provide $450,000 over three years to develop the project.

"The Government of Canada believes that businesses are places of hope, growth and opportunity," Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification Carol Skelton said. "This investment in the Business Mentorship Institute will go a long way toward encouraging a new generation of Saskatchewan entrepreneurs."

The Counselling Foundation of Canada (CFC), a family foundation funded by Frank G. Lawson and his estate to create and enrich counselling programs, will also provide $450,000.

"We have seen mentoring programs significantly increase the success rate of new businesses," CFC chairperson Donald Lawson said. "We are pleased to be a part of this important partnership."

The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Foundation will oversee the formation of the institute.

"The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce believes the Business Mentorship Institute will be instrumental in assisting business growth and development in the province," Provincial Chamber President Ted Hillstead said. "This resource will support entrepreneurs and organizations providing mentorship services."

The Business Mentorship Institute is co-located with the Entrepreneurial Foundation of Saskatchewan at Innovation Place in Saskatoon. The institute opened in January 2006, and a formal launch is planned for May.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Donna Rehirchuk Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Phone: (306) 787-2359	Amy Ringdahl Office of the Minister Phone: (613) 996-9331
Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Phone: (306) 975-5942	Jean Faulds Counselling Foundation of Canada Phone: (416) 923-8953 Email: info@counselling.net
Ted Hillstead Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Foundation Phone: (306) 352-2671